A group of us traveled to New York City this spring and some of us discovered the Big Apple for the first time. We took a look at all the attractions we’re asked most often to include in our itineraries. We explored the city with expert guides, discovered Central Park, and of course, took in the view.
I couldn’t wait to see New York City from its famous observation decks. I loved walking its sidewalks the most; there’s no feeling in the world like finally being in a place you’ve only imagined or seen on film. But second to being within its streets, I couldn’t wait to observe them from above and – though I’m loath to admit it now – compare the two most famous of its sky-high views, the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock.
The former was one of my first New York City experiences. And when I found myself ushered to a conference room in the Empire State Building and then through its VIP tour, there was little to convince me that the Top of the Rock experience could be any more wonderful. On the observation deck, the sights of Manhattan were pointed out to me by a lifetime New Yorker. I learned about its iconic neighborhoods and landmark buildings. I saw it all from the oldest and most famous observation deck in the city.
During this tour we learned a lot about the efforts in recent years, and more efforts to come, to make the visitor experience at the Empire State Building more convenient. Guests are given a better view on their way up with improved waiting areas throughout. And over it all remains one fact. The Empire State Building is the more nostalgic choice. It has featured in romantic films, on postcards, and in the mind of the world far too long as New York’s famous high point, and nothing can replace that iconic feeling – not even the approximately two-hour wait time on its busiest days.
Our view from Top of the Rock came a few days later. The first thing we noticed was the speed of our wait time. It was almost nothing as we thought of the two floors and many lines worth of visitors waiting for their turn on the top of the Empire State Building while we were ushered past them in a private tour. Top of the Rock takes reservations and issues tickets so each guest can return at the moment just before their turn in the elevator to the top. The difference in convenience this affords really can’t be measured, especially for group travel tours when long wait times can make all the difference in an already jam-packed itinerary.
You may already have heard of the see-through elevator and the images projected on it as you ride. This certainly enhances the experience, but you’re not really in the elevator long enough to need entertainment – another famous benefit to the Top of the Rock experience. And then you’re at the top.
The Top of the Rock observation deck is wide and spacious. It has two tiers, one surrounded by panels of safety glass, one a few steps higher up and completely open-air. From Top of the Rock you get an amazing view of the Empire State Building, which some people find even more nostalgic than actually standing on that iconic observation deck.
In the end, I refuse to promote one observation deck above the other. For most people, seeing Manhattan from the ESB at least once is worth whatever line you have to endure. Still, if you merely want a sky-high view, if you have limited time in your itinerary, Top of the Rock is simply a wonderful experience for groups from start to finish.
New York’s Sky-High Views 
